Today we’d like to introduce you to Patric Carroll.
Patric, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was tending bar at The Flying Saucer in Addison (R.I.P.) in the early 2000s (2003, I believe). Corporate had decided to incorporate live trivia at various locations. In the beginning, they had a manager host the events. After a short stretch of less-than-exuberant response, the General Manager, thinking I would be a good fit, asked if I would like to host. Having a background in performance (studying theatre and acting most of my life) coupled with a gregarious personality and the need for attention, it was a harmonious venture. Years went by and as we found more success in attendance and sales, other businesses approached me about hosting at their establishments. The Londoner in Addison was next, followed by The Holy Grail in Plano.
When I started hosting three nights a week, that was the turning point. I decided to make hosting trivia my business. When my weekly calendar filled up, I had to find other outgoing personalities. With success and failure along the way, I found my calling in providing an evening of entertainment disguised as a trivia game. I love to make people laugh and cringe. I love learning and sharing the knowledge gained. Mostly, I love the social interaction my delicate soul feeds upon.
Currently, I have halted my events since March due to the COVID19 pandemic. More than missing the income, I miss the people. I miss the interactions and friendships. I miss getting to be a snarky jackass to a large group of like-minded freaks like me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was a challenge in the beginning when I was trying to juggle a “day job” in film/TV commercial production, sporadic shifts tending bar at The Flying Saucer, and playing in a band on weekends. Once I focused my attention on my trivia business, other challenges arose. Those included: finding other hosts that I felt could provide a level of entertainment above other trivia businesses, getting the proper sound and visual elements set up at each bar, which frequently lacked the equipment needed, and trying to temper expectations when first starting out at a new location.
When I first get approached by a bar/restaurant that wants to infuse lackluster weekday evenings with some live entertainment, they often want instant results in increased sales. That magic does not exist, so patience is needed. Convincing a struggling establishment that it takes time to grow a successful evening is a difficult task.
Currently… COVID… Nuff said.
Please tell us about FreakShow Trivia.
FreakShow Trivia specializes in providing an evening of interactive entertainment designed to establish a sense of community amongst the patrons while presenting an intriguing quiz with an interesting visual element. I feel like a lot of other trivia businesses focus on being in as many bars as possible and not on the quality of hosts or the level of interaction required to create a lasting impression.
My goal is to make a night of trivia more akin to friends gathering in a living room for drinks and laughs than small groups of people battling for a prize.
One of the biggest differences in what FreakShow Trivia provides, along with the quality of entertainers, is the visual aspect. I have been using some form of PowerPoint presentation since the beginning. Giving the participants the ability to read and re-read the question on a large screen allows them to understand and contemplate more freely. When you have someone just reading questions to you in a crowded bar, you are forced to focus all attention on every word, hoping you can hear them clearly. My intent is to keep people engaged with each other as well as with the “game.”
What were you like growing up?
I was never really good at athletics as a child. Team sports is the first way most kids learn to achieve some sort of status amongst their peers and local society. A lot of attention is given to athletics in those early years. For me, I had to find a different approach to getting approval. I needed an outlet. I needed a way to measure self-worth that was not dependent on physical prowess. I found that making people laugh and telling intriguing stories filled that cup. I didn’t always go about it in the right way, but the results were a learned skill to which I could anchor myself. Instead of working on my jump-shot, I worked on my spit-take. While kids studied films with Michael Jordan, Nolan Ryan, or the Dallas Cowboys, I studied films with Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, and Monty Python. Laughter and wit became my sword and shield.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.freakshowtrivia.com
- Email: freakshowtrivia@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freakshowtrivia
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
